WITH less than 200 days to go to Comrades 2014, it is very common for all runners to worry. I know I become very anxious before an event approaches and, in past years, I would often feel certain that I could not carry out the full 89km after suffering fatigue on a relatively short run.
With the benefit of experience, I no longer worry about these feelings as they are perfectly normal and they also humble me to examine areas of my running/racing that require attention.
You will now have a few races under the belt and if you have failed to meet the targets you set for these races, all is not lost.
Careful examination of why you failed to meet your targets must occur. If you got very tired in the last 8km then you may require some more training, or your time management may be at fault.
Maybe you went out too fast not bearing in mind the distance and nature of the course. Maybe you bailed because you did not have a strong enough mind to carry on when the going got tough?
In the heat you have to find a suitable drinking pattern, if necessary boosted by supplements. All your clothing and accessories must be useful and comfortable.
Your running friends must be well matched in terms of sheer running ability and also compatibility as the race progresses. This is the time of the year to look at the above factors and concentrate on learning how to pace yourself.
December is holiday month but it is not a time to overexercise and run huge distances while on holiday. Stay well trained but not overtrained.
At the same time, you have to be well built-up for the rigours of Comrades training starting in earnest in January. If you are away from home, join the local club on their time trials and weekend LSD runs.
Remember to save some of your Christmas bonus for at least one pair of new running shoes.
The programme next year involves 1400km of running and for a lot of runners that certainly will need a second pair of shoes so as to arrive at Comrades with a worn in but still well cushioned and supportive pair of your favourite running shoes.
Tip: Make all your travel arrangements involving air flights and hotel bookings soon as these get booked up very quickly.
